Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill on Friday sentenced Whitaker to serve 30 years in prison. Whitaker was sentenced to 75 years, but 45 were suspended, court officials said.

Prosecutors said Whitaker forced his live-in girlfriend's 14-year-old daughter into his car while she was waiting for the school bus in May 2011. He then took her to his apartment where the attack took place, prosecutors said. Afterward, Whitaker drove the girl to Whitten Middle School, where prosecutors said surveillance photos showed him checking the girl in. Prosecutors said Whitaker signed a fake name and hurried out of the building.

Whitaker denied the charges.

Prosecutors used the surveillance photos and DNA findings as evidence against Whitaker during the trial.

"The victim is pleased with the outcome of the case," said Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith. "It was very difficult, obviously, for her to sit through the trial and go through this, but the victory was a start of her healing."

Copyright 2012 byWAPT.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Forty years ago, one of the greatest boxing matches in history took place in an unlikely setting: the capital of the Philippines. Muhammad Ali's epic win over great rival Joe Frazier in 1975 became known as the "Thrilla in Manila."